Dubai: A 28-year-old Irish woman, Tori Towey, has been arrested in Dubai for attempting suicide and consuming alcohol following an alleged desperate attempt to escape domestic violence.
Ms Towey, who moved to Dubai last year to work as an airline attendant, was hospitalized with extensive injuries after an alleged assault by her husband. The case was raised in the Dáil by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, who highlighted Towey’s plight and called for urgent intervention.
“Her passport has been destroyed, and a travel ban has been imposed on her. She had sought protection from the authorities multiple times, but to no avail,” McDonald stated.
“Following a severe beating in which her husband allegedly tried to break her limbs, she attempted to take her own life. Instead of protecting her, the system chose to detain and charge her.”
Ms Towey’s situation was also addressed by Roscommon TD Claire Kerrane, who has been in contact with Towey and her mother, Caroline, who is now with her in Dubai.
Kerrane described the circumstances as a “living nightmare,” detailing how Towey was held in a cell with 50 women without being informed of the charges against her and faced significant language barriers.
“She was charged with alcohol abuse and attempted suicide after a small amount of alcohol was found in her system,” Kerrane explained. “Despite seeking help from the police, she was repeatedly told to return to her husband.
He destroyed her passport, leaving her unable to work or return home.”
A court date has been set for July 18. Meanwhile, Irish politicians are working cross-party to secure Towey’s safe return.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed readiness to intervene in the case, with the Department of Foreign Affairs providing consular assistance for several weeks.
Radha Stirling, CEO of the human rights organization Detained in Dubai, criticized the authorities’ case handling. “It’s astounding that the authorities did not protect Tori, given the state she was in when first hospitalized. Instead, they imposed a travel ban, preventing her from escaping her abuser,” Stirling said. “Dubai police need education on victim care.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed its awareness of the case and ongoing consular support, with Tánaiste Micheál Martin in communication with officials in Dubai.
